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About Coast river business journal. (Astoria, OR) 2006-current | View Entire Issue (April 11, 2018)
14 | APRIL 2018 BJ&R CONTINUED from Page 10 frame all-year around. We all look forward to the point where we can get a couple nice days back-to-back and don’t have to deal with it. Other than that, we’re very fortunate to be building in 20-mile radius.” Are there things that are often overlooked by less scrupulous builders? “I try not to pay attention to what anyone else is doing. We try to do the best job we possibly can from the ground up because it does show when you get to the finish and you know you have a quality house.” What things should a customer consider when selecting a contractor? “Referrals and experience would probably be the number one thing. I think they should consider someone that’s local too because there are different practices that are done in Portland or Vancouver that really don’t work here as well. Weatherization is big.” How do you distinguish your business among others (that may offer similar ser- vices)? “We try to be really efficient. I’m on the job 40 hours a week too. I work side-by-side with my crew, that’s one of our strongest points along with quality.” What is your outlook for the future of the business? “I’m planning on working another 10 years solid, then I will slow down to where I’m man- aging a couple guys. As far as the business goes, it will be here as long as I’m here.” Do you have specific goals for the busi- ness? “We’re not trying to meet any quota. We try to fit everyone in that’s ready to build. I’m asked all the time about my schedule. We tell people that, if you’re ready to go, we’ll work you in. You might have to wait a couple months, but we keep up with the workload because we’re a lay- ered business. I work on the framing, exterior and finish side and my brother works on the trim side. I have a couple guys who do really good ELSTROM CONTINUED from Page 9 “Around 10, it varies up and down. A lot of companies use subcontractors, but we perform most of the tasks with our direct employees. It’s a little different model — it’s an older, more traditional way to do things. A lot of builders have gotten away from that. I think that differentiates us from a lot of the other builders in the area.” Who are some of the local businesses you count on? “JJ Electric Service in Seaside, Patriot BUILDER PROFILES finish work. We can layer and take more jobs.” Who are some of the local businesses you count on? “I’ve had the same subs I’ve had forever — Nichols Concrete, Active Enterprises, Di- amond Heating. Once you have a relationship and know they do quality work, you stick with what works.” Is there a building or project you’re par- ticularly proud of? “The Lost Roo remodel. I worked with the owner from the design through what kind of wood to use on the bar. There are many homes I think are fantastic too. We’re just starting The Breakers pool building. I enjoy bigger jobs. I’m actually more relaxed on big commercial things than on smaller projects. They can be more chal- lenging depending on what type of manpower you have, but I think that’s my favorite thing to do.” How is the building industry and materi- als changing or evolving? “Everything has pretty much leveled off to new design. The OSBs (Oriented Strand Board) are the same. I think you’re seeing more change in code issues. Things like granite are now Pen- tal Quartz, there’s evolvement in man-made products. Overall it’s pretty much the same pro- cess.” Have there been any trends that have come and gone? “I had one request for an elevator three years ago, then we did two more this year. As more retired people plan for the future, they’re willing to spend another $20,000 to $40,000 for an ele- vator because they plan on being there. Colors and surfaces are often trends. Carpeting is just about gone, it has evolved to wood products. Pergo (a laminate flooring) used to be the thing 15 years ago. There’s products like that change and get better and smarter. Thirty years ago we did a lot of custom welding and made our own things.” What part gives you the most satisfaction? “At the end of the day when I get to drive by all the jobs and check on everything on my way home.” Plumbing, Clatsop Concrete, Coastal Alarm Systems.” What is your outlook for the future of the business? “Continued growth challenged by demand for land.” Do you have specific goals for the busi- ness? “Keep the good employees we have to con- tinue to support their families. Maintain our standard of construction.” What part brings you the greatest sat- isfaction? “The people we interact with.” COAST RIVER BUSINESS JOURNAL time and money, last longer, better define a character or be more pleasing. Construction CONTINUED from Page 11 is expensive — do it better.” How difficult is the weather to deal What is your outlook for the future of the business? with? “Continuing to grow as more people take “It’s probably the driving factor in every more careful decision-making steps before decision we make. Every product or process spending thousands of dollars.” we use, we consider how it’s go- ing to keep out the weather. It’s Do you have specific goals all about keep that drop of rain for the business? “To continue being part of going down and out instead of providing a respectful service in down and in.” this community. To us it’s about What things should a cus- tomer consider when selecting the long-term effects — good a contractor? people, good wages and good services. “Communication, references Erik Fagerland has What part brings you the and trust.” How do you distinguish your seen trends such as greatest satisfaction? “Seeing a customers pride business among others (that tall ceiling and hard surfaces stabalize or satisfaction with a completed may offer similar services)? product.” “We have designated staff to over the past 20 Is there a building or project definitely look after a customer’s years. “Everybody specific needs, not one person wants a wood floor, you’re particularly proud of? “Whichever one we just fin- ‘wearing all the hats’. All of our hard tile or granite ished. Each was an important construction elements are ‘de- countertops,” he veloped’ to work together as a said. building block to the next. Each resolved form. Anyone can cover has it’s own particular story, so I things with wood. Knowing why something couldn’t pick one without referring to one before or after.” is resolved can add beauty to function, save FAGERLAND CEDR THANKS THE GENEROUS SPONSORS OF THE 2018 CLATSOP COUNTY JOB & CAREER FAIR! Columbia Memorial Hospitalt Fort George Brewery & Public House Seaside Rotary Club Foundation Warrenton Business Association Bayview Transit Mix, Inc City of Astoria Greenwood Resources/Lewis & Clark Timberlands Hyak Maritime LCHRMA (Lower Columbia Human Resource Management Association) Pacifi c Power Afl ac of Astoria Fred Meyer Sunset Parks & Recreation Thanks also for the fi nancial support from the NWESD and the Astoria, Jewell, Knappa, Seaside & Warrenton School Districts. Participation: 650 high school students! 150 college students & general job seekers! 83 employers! Many Volunteers! We could not have done it without your support! 1455 N. Roosevelt, Seaside, OR • 503–338–2402 www.clatsoped.com • email: SBDC@clatsopcc.edu
